Philippines eVisa: Launch Date Set To August 2023

In a significant move aimed at enhancing travel convenience and revitalizing tourism, the Philippines is gearing up to introduce its much-anticipated e-Visa system on August 24, 2023, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced recently.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jesus Domingo said the e-Visa allows foreigners to apply entirely online for appropriate Philippine visas. “This will make the visa application process easier, faster, more efficient, and convenient for foreign nationals,” he said.

This innovative digital platform will revolutionize how travelers apply for entry authorization, marking a step forward in the nation's efforts to embrace online services and cater to modern travelers' needs.

Who can apply for the Philippines e-Visa?

Multiple nationalities can apply for entry authorization through the new e-Visa system, although the exact list of countries is yet to be announced.

Implementing the e-Visa system will be expected to facilitate smoother entry procedures for travelers from the top countries generating inbound tourism, like South Korea, Japan, China, and Australia.

Benefits of the new Philippines e-Visa system for travelers

The addition of an e-Visa to the Philippines' visa policy is set to streamline entry processes and give a boost to the nation's vital tourism sector.

Affairs Undersecretary Jesus Domingo highlighted that the e-Visa system would speed up and simplify the visa application procedure for foreigners planning trips to the Philippines, whether for tourism or business purposes.

Jaime FlorCruz, the Philippine Ambassador to China, envisions that this new approach will especially attract more Chinese tourists. Before the pandemic, China stood as the second-largest contributor of tourists to the Philippines, just behind South Korea.

However, even though 1.7 million Chinese tourists explored the Philippines in 2019, their numbers have not yet reached the same level.

Overall, the Philippine e-Visa System offers a range of benefits that enhance the experience for both travelers and the country's tourism industry.

How to apply online for the Philippines e-Visa

The innovative e-Visa system introduced by the Philippines will transform how tourists and business visitors apply for visas.

In just a few straightforward steps, applicants can fill out their details online, pay the visa fees, and submit their application. Their e-Visas will be promptly delivered by email.

The Philippines Visa fee is currently US$37, and the Philippines eVisa fee is expected to cost around the same, and is paid securely online.

Our 100% online process offers added advantages, such as a careful review by an expert, a simple application form, and a secured platform to keep your personal data safe. Download our user-friendly iVisa app and apply for your Philippines e-Visa without issues.

Transforming the Philippines travel industry

As the Philippines prepares to launch its e-Visa system, it positions itself at the forefront of digitizing travel processes to meet the demands of the contemporary globetrotter.

Eligible travelers currently only qualify for a Philippines eArrival Card and a Philippines Electronic Travel Authorization online.

December to February is generally considered the best time to visit the Philippines due to the favorable weather conditions. With the imminent launch of the e-Visa system, this peak travel season could become even more attractive to tourists who are now more likely to benefit from a hassle-free entry process.